Colossians 3:1-4
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
As we seek to live new lives in Christ we seek to intermingle or entangle or lives with Him in every way possible. He is our treasure and we aim to both be with him and become like him. He is not a means to an end but is the ultimate end in himself. As Christians we should delight in the pursuit of God and take great joy in seeking his presence.
I would argue also that the best defense against sin is not legalistic action but rather the pursuit of God and the enjoyment of his presence. When we enjoy God and constantly chase after him sin starts to seem less appealing. This section of Colossians follows directly from Paul saying that legalism has no value in restraining sin, this section now presents an alternative that does, the life-long pursuit of God. Jonathan Edwards words it better than I can below:
“The enjoyment of [God] is our highest happiness, and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean.”
Lets all consider how we “set our hearts and minds” on God in our lives? There are no rules or formulas here, each of us must work it out ourselves. What makes you think about the wonders of God and what things take away your love for him? Some people go to a mountain top to sit, read and pray while others listen to loud music, others might find that painting makes them meditate on God, others still go for a run, others quietly read their bible and write down their thoughts…. its different for everyone…. think about it. There is a good reflection on this below in the further reading. Maybe post a comment on what works for you.
Sermon: Matt Chandler, Stirring the Affections For God
Blog: http://www.theresurgence.com/Inspirations
Book: Richard J. Foster, “Celebration of Discipline”
Book: Jonathan Edwards, “Religious Affections”
